Reebok Nano X review

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Who should buy the Reebok Nano X

The Nano X is best for functional fitness and CrossFit-style workouts. It also works for an ordinary gym session with lots of lifting and a little bit of everything.

Who should NOT buy the Reebok Nano X

Don't get this shoe if you:

• need a responsive trainer for HIIT workouts and aerobics
• plan to run over 2 km regularly
• want a lightweight training shoe

Reebok Nano X vs. Nano 9 - beefier and heavier

The Nano X basically looks like a variation of the Nano 9. Both shoes are solid options but there are some important differences:

Which one is better?
It's a tie. We refrain from leaning towards either Nano 9 or X. It's the details that make the difference, even in the price tag, so it's up to you to choose.

Blown-up heel collar - the wow factor

This part of the shoe received the most comments and compliments. Extending high up the ankle, this extra-cushioned, foamy pillow makes the trainer feel more like a mid-top sneaker or even a basketball shoe.

An unusual feature for a cross-trainer, we found plenty of benefits in it:

• locks the heel and ankle inside a Memory Foam cage
• allows the foot to slide into the shoe without unlacing it
• keeps the heel stable during twists, turns, and jumps
• prevents heel slips

Weightlifting: Top-level stability

One major reason to pick up a pair of Nano X is its weightlifting performance. This is where all that extra bulk and heaviness work for the shoe's benefit.

 Here is the list of all the exercises that we were able to do in the Reebok Nano X:

• lifting up to 500 lbs (227 kg)
• Olympic weightlifting (heavy squats, cleans, jerks, snatches)
• deadlifting
• dumbbell training

For every set, this Reebok shoe felt absolutely rock-solid and stable.

Jumping: Is a No

Having put the shoe through burpees, box jumps, double unders, and skipping, we admit that it would not be our first pick because of the heaviness. We could definitely feel the bulk of the shoes.

The Nano X is flexible enough for mountain climbers, planks, jumping lunges, and the like but is still on the stiffer side compared to an average trainer.

Where it shines is lateral support and traction. The sturdy sidewalls kept our feet securely in place while the outsole gripped practically everything - wet concrete, wood floors, carpet, etc.

Running: Far from “runnable”

Running in the Nano X was never once a pleasant experience. We do not recommend the shoe for running over 2-3 km, as we could barely even get through 1 km in the shoe. The reason being its stiff midsole and overall heaviness.

Rope climbing: Not good

Even though the Nano X is equipped with the RopeGuard, we were quite disappointed in its durability for rope climbs. It came loose after only a few climbs while the upper materials frayed too easily.

All-day wear: Fine

The Reebok Nano X packs plenty of comfort for casual wear. We were even able to spend a whole day walking in the Nano X with no problems.

Along with the sneaker-y style and plenty of vibrant colours, this cross-trainer can make for a foot companion even outside the gym.

Size and fit of the Nano X

We found that the Nano X is narrower and more form-fitting than the Nano 9. This is due to the extra padding and overlays throughout the upper.

However, it remains true to size and offers ample space in the toebox compared to most trainers. So the advice is to go with your normal shoe size. Going a size up is likely to feel long.

In a word, the Nano X is:

• best for medium to slightly wider feet
• too spacious for narrow feet (try Nike Metcons)

No more CrossFit branding?

The end of Reebok’s 10-year contract with the CrossFit brand is signified by the elimination of CF branding from the Nano X. It was already minimal on the Nano 9, but this time around, it’s just a hint:

• a barely noticeable Delta on the rubber toe protector
• a hidden one on the insole inside the shoe

Reebok’s signature Vector is now taking up the most prominent parts of the shoe.